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AFTER four years on AFL lists with the GWS Giants and Melbourne, Pat McKenna is returning home to Gisborne for the 2019 BFNL season.
The forward returns to Gardiner Reserve on the back of a season in which Gisborne made its first finals series since 2014 – a year in which McKenna led the Bulldogs’ goalkicking with 45 before he was drafted by the Giants.
Now 22, McKenna – who is a one-point Gisborne player – spent 2015-16 with the Giants before he was traded to Melbourne where he spent 2017 and this year.
READ MORE – Pat McKenna drafted
While he didn’t play any AFL games, McKenna was part of the Casey Demons’ team last month that was beaten by Box Hill in the VFL grand final, and in 2016 he was one of the best players in the Giants’ NEAFL premiership win over Sydney.
“I’m really excited to be back with my home club where plenty of my mates and brother (Eamon) still play,” McKenna said on Saturday.
“With making finals last season and keeping the group together the club is in a great spot to attack 2019.
“Peronsally, I’m looking forward to contributing to the club on and off the field and, hopefully, bringing what I’ve learned in the past four years to help the team improve.
“I considered heading to the VFL and haven’t ruled that out for the future, but ultimately wanted to come back to Gisborne this year.”
With Matt Goodyear re-signing and Clinton Young continuing as coach for a second season, the addition of McKenna gives Gisborne three former AFL-listed players in their team for 2019.
The Bulldogs lost this year’s elimination final to Sandhurst.
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